Author archives

Collaborative distribution network design for sustainable parcel deliveries: a strategic modelling approach

The growth of e-commerce has driven higher demand for B2C transportation, creating challenges for urban distribution and upstream supply networks. Various sustainable transport strategies have been proposed to mitigate the impact of freight movement. However, these strategies must balance economic, environmental, and social considerations. A recent study evaluates a sustainable distribution strategy based on collaborative …

A Generic Modelling Framework for Last-Mile Delivery Systems

A new study presents a generic modeling framework that integrates agent-based models (ABM), specifically HUMAT and MASS-GT, to address the complexity of last-mile delivery (LMD) systems. This framework simulates and evaluates the dynamics of urban goods flow across different cities, focusing on consumer behavior and delivery logistics, which are crucial for optimizing LMD strategies. Key …

Amsterdam starts Park + Switch hub for service engineers

Social media exploded over Amsterdam’s trial with a “klushub.” In the Piet Heingarage, a pilot project called Park + Switch Amsterdam is being launched as a transfer point where entrepreneurs can park their vehicles and switch to electric ones. Online blog GeenStijl commented on the hub: “This pie-in-the-sky idea, dreamed up by desk-jockey bureaucrats, is almost as …

What are the challenges of delivering FMCG to city stores?

Cities are the new battleground for food retailers. In the following years, traditional food service channels, such as the hotel and catering industry, will face fierce competition from supermarkets, city stores, and micro markets in cities that focus on the needs of the growing number of consumers, workers, students, and visitors. While a 1-3% net profit …

Key characteristics and challenges of last-mile operations

A recent publication by Agatz et al. provides an overview of key characteristics and challenges of last-mile operations (LMO): Final Stage of Supply Networks LMO processes occur at the last stage of supply chains, directly fulfilling individual agent demand. Operations and resources (people, equipment, inventory) are widely dispersed. Diverse geographical areas create specific challenges: Urban …

Research: innovations, technologies, and the economics of last-mile operations

Last-mile operations (LMO), the processes involved in the critical last stage of delivering goods and services, are widespread across major economic sectors, including retail, food services, healthcare, humanitarian services, energy distribution, telecommunications, public services, and others. These operations account for many of these sectors’ costs, jobs, and economic output. Global economic output involving last-mile deliveries …

Zero-Impact home deliveries: is smaller really better?

The rapid growth of e-commerce has transformed urban logistics, raising concerns about congestion, pollution, and the impact of delivery vehicles on city life. Some argue that home deliveries are overwhelming our streets and that pick-up points and cargo bikes are the ultimate solution. However, the reality is far more nuanced. Home delivery myths : One-size-fits-small? from …

Online retailers should take action on circular shopping

We need to do more with fewer resources. However, nearly 90% of our clothing still ends up as waste, less than half of electronic products are recycled, and furniture is discarded as bulky waste. Our old toys gather dust in attics, basements, and garages. That is not a good story. Valuable product flows must get …

A review of last-mile delivery optimization: strategies, technologies, and drone integration

Last-mile delivery (LMD) is crucial in modern logistics, impacting operational costs, efficiency, and customer satisfaction. A recent paper reviews optimization techniques in LMD, emphasizing AI-driven decision-making, IoT-enabled real-time monitoring, and hybrid delivery networks. Integrating AI and IoT enhances predictive analytics, dynamic routing, and fleet management, though scalability and regulatory challenges remain significant. Hybrid models incorporating …

FedEx unveils 2025 US e-commerce trends report: convenience and seamless experiences drive success

In collaboration with C Space, FedEx Corporation has released its annual FedEx 2025 E-Commerce Trends to Watch Report, offering key insights into evolving consumer expectations. As digital marketplaces become more competitive, businesses prioritizing convenience, effortless returns, and personalized engagement will foster customer loyalty and long-term success in the US Market. Convenience and Enhanced Post-Purchase Experience Take Center Stage …